This year's annual National Conference of Visitor Attractions (VAC 08) is to be held on 8 October at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London.

Margaret Hodge MBE, the minister for culture, creative industries and tourism, is providing the keynote address at the one-day event, which is now in its fifth year. A range of topics will be addressed at VAC 08, including two specialist seminars – the first covering the law and regulations, and the second looking at educational visits and the care of children.

VAC 08 will also be holding sessions that will address current and future issues for the industry, how to grow net revenues, and future marketing initiatives. Visitors will also have the chance to put their questions to a number of leading industry figures, including Dr Simon Thurley, the chief executive of English Heritage, and John Whittingdale MP, the chair of the culture, media and sport select committee. The event is being organised by the British Association of Leisure Parks (BALPPA), Visit Britain, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA), the Visitor Attractions Forum and Attractions Management magazine.

Details: www.vac2008.co.uk